We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will.  Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.  If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.’ They answered him, ‘You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?’ And they drove him out. Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ He answered, ‘And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.’  He said, ‘Lord, I believe.’ And he worshipped him.  Jesus said, ‘I came into this world for judgement so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.’ Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, ‘Surely we are not blind, are we?’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, “We see”, your sin remains.

The formerly blind man speaks with surprising theological clarity: “God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will.” In Jewish tradition, miracles were understood as signs of God’s approval. The man’s argument is simple and logical: If Jesus were a sinner, God would not empower him. Yet a man born blind has been healed—something unheard of. Therefore, Jesus must be “from God.” This is striking because the religious experts cannot reach the conclusion that the once-blind man does. His physical sight leads to spiritual insight, while the Pharisees’ learning does not. The Pharisees respond harshly: “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” This insult reflects an ancient belief that physical suffering could indicate sin (seen earlier in the chapter when the disciples ask whose sin caused the blindness). Unable to refute the man’s reasoning, they expel him from the synagogue. Ironically, the man who now truly sees is cast out by those who claim religious authority.

Deeper Dive

One of the lengthiest interactions is the interrogation by the Pharisees. They question the former blind man and are divided over Jesus, as healing on the Sabbath was considered a violation of the law. The Pharisees call the man’s parents, attempting to discredit the miracle. His parents confirm his identity but avoid taking a stand, fearing repercussions from the religious leaders. The Pharisees’ focus on legalism and tradition blinds them to the miracle’s significance. Jesus declares: “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” This statement introduces a powerful paradox: The humble and needy receive sight and those convinced of their own insight become blind. Some Pharisees overhear and ask sarcastically: “Surely we are not blind, are we?” Jesus replies to their claim to see is exactly the problem. If they admitted blindness (spiritual need), they could receive sight. Because they insist they already see, their sin remains.

For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.  Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly;  but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’

Paul does not say believers were in darkness but that they were darkness. This emphasises how completely sin shaped human life before Christ. Now believers are “light in the Lord.” The transformation is not merely moral improvement; it is a change of identity. Three qualities define a life shaped by God: Goodness – moral generosity and kindness toward others. Righteousness – living according to God’s standards of justice. Truth – integrity and authenticity, reflecting God’s character. These virtues show that light is not merely knowledge but moral transformation.

Deeper Dive

Paul says, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Darkness produces “unfruitful works.” Unlike the fruit of light, these actions bring no life or goodness. Paul adds that some of these deeds are so shameful that they are “not even fit to mention.” The call to expose darkness does not necessarily mean public condemnation but living in such a way that truth reveals wrongdoing for what it is. Spiritually this means: God’s truth reveals sin, repentance becomes possible and transformation begins.

The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.’ Samuel said, ‘How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.’ And the Lord said, ‘Take a heifer with you, and say, “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.  Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.’ Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, ‘Do you come peaceably?’ He said, ‘Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.’ And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

The first Book of Samuel marks a decisive turning point in Israel’s history. God begins the transition from the failed kingship of Saul to the rise of David. These verses introduce themes of divine choice, hidden leadership, and the difference between human judgment and God’s vision. Samuel’s grief shows that Saul’s fall is tragic rather than triumphant. Saul had been chosen earlier in the narrative but his repeated disobedience leads to God withdrawing royal favour. This reveals how unstable Saul’s reign has become. The prophet fears the king’s reaction to the anointing of a successor. God instructs Samuel to say he has come to offer sacrifice. This was a normal religious activity and provided a legitimate reason for Samuel’s visit.

Deeper Dive

The elders of the town tremble when Samuel arrives and asks: “Do you come peaceably?” This reaction shows the authority prophets held. Their presence could signal either blessing or judgment. Samuel reassures them and instructs them to consecrate themselves. Ritual purification prepared people for sacred events such as sacrifices. This scene creates a quiet but dramatic setting for the selection of Israel’s next king. Humans judge leadership by appearance, strength, or status. God chooses based on inner character and divine purpose.

As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ^Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbours and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?’ Some were saying, ‘It is he.’ Others were saying, ‘No, but it is someone like him.’ He kept saying, ‘I am the man.’ But they kept asking him, ‘Then how were your eyes opened?’ He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, “Go to Siloam and wash.” Then I went and washed and received my sight.’ They said to him, ‘Where is he?’ He said, ‘I do not know.’

We read about Jesus encountering a man born blind. The disciples question Him, asking whose sin caused the man’s blindness. Jesus replies, emphasising that the man’s condition exists so that “the works of God might be displayed in him.” Jesus proceeds to heal the man in a miraculous manner. He spits on the ground, makes mud with the saliva, and applies it to the man’s eyes. Jesus then instructs him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. Obediently, the man goes, washes, and returns with his sight restored. After the healing, the community is stirred. Neighbours and those who knew the man as a beggar struggle to believe that he regained his sight. Some doubt his identity, while others demand an explanation. This reflects a common aspect of human nature: scepticism and resistance to believing in what seems impossible. One of the lengthiest interactions is the interrogation by the Pharisees. They question the former blind man and are divided over Jesus, as healing on the Sabbath was considered a violation of the law. The Pharisees call the man’s parents, attempting to discredit the miracle. His parents confirm his identity but avoid taking a stand, fearing repercussions from the religious leaders. The Pharisees’ focus on legalism and tradition blinds them to the miracle’s significance.

Deeper Dive

A central theme is the contrast between physical and spiritual blindness. The healed man progresses from physical blindness to spiritual clarity. In contrast, the Pharisees, despite their religious knowledge, remain spiritually blind. This dichotomy challenges readers to examine their openness to spiritual truths that defy conventional understanding. Are there areas in our lives where we remain spiritually blind? How willing are we to let go of prejudices and embrace divine truths? The man’s testimony is simple yet compelling. Sharing personal experiences of grace can have profound impacts. The man’s obedience to Jesus’ command, even in a seemingly strange act, led to his healing. Faith often requires trust beyond understanding. By examining the reactions of the community, religious leaders, and the healed man, readers can derive lessons that resonate with modern faith journeys. Embracing spiritual vision over blindness is a transformative step towards a deeper relationship with the divine.